The royal couple, who visited the Pacific islands last year, said they were "very saddened" to hear about the quake

Prince William and Kate Middleton have sent a heartfelt letter of support to residents of the Solomon Islands whose homes have been destroyed by a devastating earthquake and tsunami.

The royal couple, who visited the Pacific islands as part of their Far East tour in September last year, said they were "very saddened" to hear about the quake.

In a message to the country's Governor General Sir Frank Kabui, they added: "We pray that the resilience of and neighbourliness of Solomon Islanders, which we experienced during our visit last year will help you through this difficult time.

“Please pass on our thoughts to all those in the emergency services and local authorities, who are faced with the task of saving and rebuilding lives.

"Please be assured of our thoughts and prayers over the coming weeks.”

Kate, 31, and William, 30, were welcomed to the islands' capital Honiara last year by crowds of 70,000 lining the streets.

They were treated to traditional music and dancing displays before being carried through the main street on a war canoe on top of a mini van.